Rob Gronkowski wore full pads in the New England Patriots' practice on Wednesday, ESPN Boston reported. It's still not clear whether that means the Pro Bowl tight end will return from his back and forearm injuries in Sunday's game at Atlanta.

Coach Bill Belichick played it close to vest as usual with his latest injury update, telling reporters only that Gronkowski has "definitely made progress." On Monday, when asked how close Gronkowski was to playing against Tampa Bay in Week 3, Belichick didn't say more than "he was inactive."

Gronkowski was upgraded from doubtful to questionable last week, but wasn't good enough to go with the 50/50 status. Given that Gronkowski is trying to come back from two ailments and the reports that his arm, following four offseason surgeries, is more troublesome than his back, the Patriots have good reason to keep their optimism guarded..

New England, 3-0, is facing its toughest matchup of the season, on the road against the Falcons. It's in the Patriots' best interest to keep that team guessing up to the last minute. Count on Gronkowski being another game-time decision this weekend.

In other Patriots' injury news, wide receiver Danny Amendola (groin) looked better running around and also was seen at practice in full pads. It wasn't as promising for starting right tackle Sebastian Vollmer (foot), who was absent from practice.